Anacortes Municipal Code Updates

The City of Anacortes is currently in the process of updating multiple provisions in the Anacortes Municipal Code (AMC). The purpose of the updates include compliance with state law, to implement the 2016 Comprehensive Plan, and to transition to a Unified Development Code format. You can view more information about each update topic below.

Ordinance 3010, adopted 8/28/17, established a moratorium on new applications for wireless communications towers and antennas, and telecommunications franchises or master permits. Ord. 3020, adopted 2/20/18, extended the moratorium. Code updates will address new small cell technology, address wireless appurtenances in ROW and comply with federal and state law.

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Affordable Housing Demonstration Program (Amendments adopted February 5, 2018 - Ord. 3017). Regulations to allow flexibility in certain development regulations in exchange for provision of affordable rental housing units in a portion of the R4A zone.

Land Use Permit Procedures (PDF) (Amendments adopted December 19, 2016)On December 19, 2016, the City Council adopted Ordinance 2992 (PDF), which directs amendments to the Anacortes Municipal Code to provide clear, streamlined, one-stop provisions to allow the public, staff and decision-makers to easily identify procedural and substantive requirements for any land use permit application.Staff contact: Don Measamer, PCED Director; or 360-299-1942

Stormwater; Clearing & Grading (PDF) (Amendments adopted November 28, 2016)Updates to the City's stormwater regulations were approved by the City Council on November 28, 2016. The new regulations become effective January 1, 2017 and will apply to all development, re-development projects and land disturbing activities. The regulations are needed in order to comply with Department of Ecology requirements that Low Impact Development (LID) practices be the preferred and commonly used approach for stormwater management in all new and re-development projects.Ordinance 2991 (PDF)Staff contact: John Franz, Capital Project Coordinator; or 360-299-1966

Code Enforcement & Penalties (PDF) (Amendments adopted December 21, 2016)Ordinance 2988 (PDF) amending AMC Title 2, Title 9 and Title 18, and creating a new Title 20 to provide for a fair and efficient system of civil code enforcement was adopted by City Council on December 21, 2016.Staff contact: Darcy Swetnam, City Attorney; or 360-299-1950.